Electric switch



S. l. LINDELL ELECTRIC SWITCH Nov. 7, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 6, 1945 INVENTOR. .figzzfd [ZUZdeZZ BY ww. 5% 10114411 W S. l. LINDELL ELECTRIC SWITCH Nov. 7, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 6, 1945 S. l. LINDELL ELECTRIC SWITCH Nov. 7, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 6, 1945 JNVENTOR. fi gzwd Z LUzdeZ. BY

S. l. LINDELL ELECTRIC SWITCH Nov. 7, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 6, 1945 INVENTOR. 5gurd [ZLrzdeZZ flaw/w, Intwu IN V EN TOR.

5 Sheets-Sheet 5 S. l. LINDELL ELECTRIC SWITCH HIGH VOLTAGE $WITCH (VIEW THROUGH M55) OUTBOARD SWITCHES OUTBOARD 5W|TCHE5 Filed April 6, 1945- Nov. 7, 1950 M0, 1 L a f Patented Nov. 7, 1950 ELECTRIC SWITCH Sigurd I. Lindell, Chicago, 111., assignor to S & C Electric Company, a corporation of Delaware Application April 6, 1945, Serial No. 586,850

i J 6 Claims.

' This invention relates, in general, to electric switches, and has particular relation to improvements in switches for interrupting small highvoltage currents. 7

While the particular switch which I shall describe hereinafter in connection with the drawings is'a high voltage switch adapted for use in connection with microwave transmission lines and in places Where the switch is or may be subject to shock, vibration, high humidity and high conditions, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to such use but may be employed for other purposes and under other conditions, as suitable and desired.

The problem of interrupting small high-voltage currents under the conditions which the switch of my present invention is particularly adapted to withstand has not, prior to my invention, been met satisfactorily. Prior switches of which I am aware have not been shock-proof with respect to 'mechanical strength, nor have they had the abil- "ity to operate unhampered while subjected to shock of specified direction and intensity. They have also been unable to withstand the vibration which the switch of my present invention is able to withstand, particularly in combination with shock, withoutundue wear, rattle, misalignment,

or interference with mechanical operation.

Prior switches have likewise not approached the switch of my present invention in simplicity and compactness, nor have they had in combination with the other features positive and quick break actions suitable for use, particularly under the conditions which the switch of my present invention is adapted to withstand.

"I am aware of prior rotary type tap changing switches employing so-called Geneva gear drives for use with step voltage regulators. The drive mechanisms of suchswitches do not operatedirectly from the motor shaft, nor do they have the shock-proof and vibration-proof characteristics as provided in the switch of the present invention, particularly during the switching operations. Instead, the prior switches above mentioned employ gear trains and other mechanism which-preclude the advantages which the switch of the present invention provides. Moreover, these prior switches are not simple and compact inconstruction, and could not'be installed where space is very limited.

One of the main objects of the present invention is to provide a switch of the character described having various features of novelty and advantages.

temperature conditions, and other deleterious Another object of the invention is to provide a switch which is simple and compact in construction so that it may be installed, for example, with other equipment in a cabinet where space is very limited.

Another object of the invention is to provide .a switch which will withstand shock with respect to mechanical strength and operate unhampered while subjected to shock of specified direction and intensity.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch which will withstand vibration over a wide range, in combination with shock, without undue wear, rattle, misalignment or interference with mechanical operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a switch of the class described a quick break action secured simply and directly from the motor shaft or other rotary operating means to facilitate interruption of the high voltage circuit, and, more particularly, a high speed drive which provides quick break operation of conventional auxiliary switch contacts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch of the class described which is operable effectively under conditions of high humidity and high temperature; also where the atmosphere is salty, and under other deleterious conditions.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved mechanism for operating the switch, for example, from a high speed reversible motor of high starting torque, whereby the motor is permitted to gain speed before engaging the switch flywheel and stop arranged mum mechanical advantage is obtained to separate the wiping high voltage contacts, and quick opening is provided upon separation of the contacts; also quick closing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a substantially balanced strong assembly driven by a motor or other reversible rotary operating means with a flywheel, which makes the entire assembly substantially balanced to resist linear shock without pronounced interference with the operation of the switch assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch operating mechanism with a lost motion to dissipate the excess energy at the end of an operation through impact, for example, first between a stop member secured to the armature and a cooperating stop member, and then between the first mentioned stop member and the lost motion flywheel as the direction of the former is reversed; also a control of the low voltage auxiliary switch by a cam face on the flywheel to provide time in this positive manner for operation of the contactors to interrupt the main load before the high voltage contacts are separated.

Another object of the invention is to provide in one replaceable assembly a quick-break highvoltage switch for interruption of small high voltage currents complete with electrical remotely controlled operating mechanism, including position indicating switches and limit switches.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a switch of the class described leakage-proof j for application in a wide range of installations.

Another object of the invention is to provide an "improved pole arrangement and movable contact assembly for a single pole, double throw :selector switch; also an improved pole arrangement and --movable contact assembly for-a two pole, single throw, double break switch.

Other objects andadvantages of the invention will appear from the following detailed description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevationalview of a switch embodyingthe present invention;

Figure 2 is a bottom-plan View of theswitch.

shown in Figure l;

Figure 3 is a top plan viewof the switch shown in Figure 1, with the housingfor-the switch operating mechanism removed;

:Figure 4 is afragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the line- 4--4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary detailed view, partially-in'section, of the operating disc assembly;

Figure 6 is a detailed elevational view of the drinving hub for the rotating-insulator base, showing the auxiliary 'switch operating rollers carried by this hub; and

*Figure 7 is awiring diagram for the switch shown in Figures 1 to 6, inclusive.

Referring now to the drawings, the switch shown in Figures 1 to 7, inclusive, comprises, in general, a driving -motor main switch mechanism S-2, and drive mechanism D for operating the switch directly from the motor shaft in the improved-manner and with the advantageous results "which will'herein appear.

In the particular embodiment of the invention selected for illustration, the motor M is a '11'5-'volt GO-cyclesplit series wound reversible ball-bearing motor, with the windings having an anodized black and tropicalized finish, but this, of course, may vary.

Theembodiment of the invention illustrated -in Figures 1' to 7 comprises a base plate l0 formed, for example, of steeLsuitably enameled. A housing II, also formed, for example, of steel, suitably enameleohis'mounted on one side of the baseplate l0 and secured thereto, for example, "by screws l2.

The driving motor M is enclosed within a, suitable housing and secured by screws l3 to a motor mounting plate [4. The plate I4 is supported within the housing II and in spaced relation to the plate It] by posts l5. Studs l6 extend through the base plate I0, posts If: and plate I4, and have nuts I! screwed on the ends thereof, preferably with underlying lock washers for securing the motor in place on the base plate 10 with its innerend disposed within the housing H and its outer'end extending outside the housing. The brushes for the motor, Where used,

are preferably located outside the housing II V where they will be conveniently accessible.

The'main shaft, indicated at I8, is threaded --at"l-9 betwee n its ends, and has a polygonal flange :'by means of'which the threaded portion I9 iii isscrewed into the base plate I0 until the flange '20 abuts the outer side of the base plate H),

with the outer end of the shaft I8 extending outwardly from the base plate l0 and the inner end of the shaft disposed within the housing H. A pin'2l is engagedin the flange 20 and in the base plate I Ofor locking the shaft l8 in place.

A rotating insulator base 22, which may be in the form of a'brass casting suitably enameled, is journaled toturn on the outer end of the shaft 48. Hardened stainless steel bearing sleeves 23 are; preferably interposed between the insulator base 22 and the-shaft l8 which is non hardened stainless steel, although, of course, these details and the materials employed may vary widely within the scope of the present invention. A nut 24, screwed on theouter end of the shaft-l8 and preferably provided with a lock washer 25, secures the insulator-base 22 against outward axial displacement from the shaft l8. Washers 2B, of

Bakelite or other suitable material, are preferably interposed between the inner end of the base 22 and the flange'20, and between 'the outerend of the base 22 and thelock Washer underlying the nut 24.

The inner end of the shaft l8 hasa driving hub -21 journaled for v rotation thereon within the housing! I. The hub 21.has, atits upper end as the device-is viewed in .Figure 4, an integral flange 28,uand,at its lower oroppositeend, an integralflange 29. A coupling pin 30 secured in the insulator base 22extendsthrough an opening 3| in the base plate l0 and, within the housing ll, engages relativelytightly in a notch 32 in the flange 2!]. is shown as being split at 30' to provide'the The upper end of the pin 30 desired tightness of engagement of the flattened sides of the upper end of the pin with the sides of the notch 32. The coupling pin 30 servesto rotate or turn the insulator base about the outer end of" the shaft I8 upon-rotating or turning the hub '21 about the inner end of the shaft, as

will hereinafter appear.

A pair of diametrically opposite shafts 33 and 34 (Figure 6) for auxiliary switch operating rollers extend between and are carried atopposite ends by the'flanges 28 and 29 of the hub -2'1. Each shaft 33 and 34 carries a pair of rollers 35 and 36 formed, for example, of molded insula- The rollers 35 and from the flanges-28 and 29 by spacers 38.

These spacers -31 and 38 may be formed, for example of stainless steel or other suitable maanovement to the hub 27 and thereby to theinsulating base -22 alternately inopposite directions and directly from the shaft 39 of themotor assume:

'M,'a.key disc 40 is secured'in eccentric relation on the adjacent flange 28 by screws4 I, pref- ;erably with lock washers, as illustrated in the drawings. The disc 46, which is disposed within the housing I, has a generally radially extending and peripherally opening slot 43 and a pair of. arcuate peripheral concavities 44 and 45, .one on each of, the opposite sides of the slot 43.

.,An operating disc 46 is loose on the motor shaft .39, and is disposed within the housing in position underlying the adjacent portion of the disc 40. An operating arm or lever 41 is fixed on the motor shaft 39 in position overlying the adjacent portion of the disc 46. One end of the arm 41 has a notch or slot 48 into which the adjacent end of a driving stud 49 extends. The stud 49 is secured, at its lower end, in the operative disc 46 to rotate this disc by movement of the stud, as will hereinafter appear. A roller 50, mounted on the stud 49 between the disc 46 and arm 41, is adapted to enter the slot 43 in the disc 40 to impart rotation in opposite directions to the disc 40 upon rotation of the motor shaft 39 in opposition directions, as will hereinafter appear.

A look disc 5| on the motor shaft 39 engages in one or the other of the concavities 44 and 45 in the periphery of the disc 40. The off-center or eccentric positioning of the disc 40 relative to the axis of the hub 21 with the other features set forth, provides a substantially balanced strong assembly which operates directly from the shaft of the motor M or other reversible rotary operating means, and the relatively heavy disc 46 functions as a flywheel for the motor M or other reversible rotary operating means. The switch is shockproof with respect to mechanical strength and has the ability to operate unhampered while subjected to shock of specified direction and intensity. It will also withstand vibration, particularly in the range of to 2500 cycles per second, in combination with shock without undue wear, rattle, misalignment or interference with mechanical operation. The lock disc is formed at 52' to permit rotation of the disc 40 relative thereto in the operation of the switch.

As shown in detail in Figure 5, the lock disc 5| has a portion thereof fitting within the operating disc 46 for rotation relative to the disc 46, which, as previously mentioned, is relatively heavy, to serve as a flywheel for the motor. An integral hub on the lock disc 5| extends downwardly into an integral hub on the operating disc for rotation relative thereto. The hub on the lock disc 5| is fixed, for example, by a pin 5| to the motor shaft 39 for rotation therewith. The operating arm or lever 41 is fixed to the motor shaft 39, for example, by screwing the threaded shank 59' of the anchor stud 59, which passes through the arm 41, into the upwardly extending portion of the lock disc 5|. A cupped spring disc 5|" urges the disc 46 yieldingly upwardly to hold same in relatively tight cooperation with the lock disc 5|, as shown in Figure 6.

Lock disc 5| is preferably formed of hardened stainless steel, and the key disc 49, against which it operates, is preferably formed of non-hardened stainless steel. The roller 56 is preferably formed of hardened stainless steel for operation against the non hardened stainless steel disc 40. These features may, of course, vary within the scope of the present invention.

The opposite end of the arm 41 has concavities 52 for cooperation with a stop pin 53 carried by the disc 46. A spring bracket 54 is secured beneath the nut 55 screwed on the adjacent end of 6 the.'shaft '|8.and, at 56, to the housing Two helical springs 51, 58, formed, for example, of stainless steel spring wire, are anchored or connected in spaced relation at 60, 66, respectively, to raised or ofiset portions of the bracket 54. The springs 51 and58 converge toward their opposite ends and are anchored or connected to the anchor stud 59.

The lost motion connection between the cam face flywheel or disc 46 and the operating arm 41 through the stud and notch driving connection at 49, 48 leaves the armature of the motor and the flywheel as unrestrained as possible, and the helical springs free and unhampered, to bring the cam face flywheel into proper alignment. As will hereinafter more fully appear, excess energy at the end of an operation is dissipated through im pact, first, between the stop bar or arm 41 secured to the armature and the stop pin 53, and then, between the stop bar and the lost motion flywheel as the direction of the former is reversed. 'A series of impacts may result.

The action just described results in a rebound which is limited mainly by the angle of lost motion (usually' limited to about one-half of this angle, or less), and which is practically independent of the resilient properties of the various parts as well as the speed of the armature assembly at the time when the main switching action has been completed. This permits the use of a motor with ample torque and operation direct from the motor shaft to secure positive operation under adverse conditions, particularly adverse conditions of the character previously set forth. The drive mechanism of this embodiment of the present invention avoids oscillation and overswinging of the flywheel at the end of an operation such as would result if the flywheel were rigidly attached to the motor shaft and would cause the auxiliary switch S|, to be next described, to open and close repeatedly before coming to rest with an objectionable opening and closing of the circuit controlled by this auxiliary switch.

If, for example, the auxiliary switch S-| is omitted, the flywheel 46 may be attached directly to the shaft of the motor M and the lost motion connection, as above described, may be omitted.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary switch S| is a low voltage switch which opens approximately two cycles before the high voltage contacts separate, to initiate, for example, the interruption of a low voltage circuit by means of a contactor. The switch S-| comprises a pair of contact springs 60 and 5|, insulated from each other at one end and having insulated support on a mounting bracket 62 mounted on the base plate I0. The free ends of the contact spring 50 and El have cooperating contacts 63 and 64, respectively. Secured, for example, to the spring 66 is a roller bracket 65 which carries a pin 66 on which a roller 61 is free to turn.

The roller 61 cooperates with the cam face periphery of the flywheel or disc 46. It may be formed of Bakelite or otherwise insulated from the other parts of the switch. The high portion 68 of the peripheral cam face, by cooperation with the roller 61, closes the contacts 63 and 64 and holds them closed. The low portion 69 of the cam face at the ends of the high portion 68 releases the switch closing action on the roller 61 and permits the spring 60 to spring away from the spring 6|, thus separating the contact 63 opening 1 the auxiliary "stead: of operating to close the .same as herein described.

In the illustrated embodiment of the inven- .tion the total operating time from oneposition of -.the main switch to another is approximately .:six-cycles. To provide the time element of two cycles-for opening of the auxiliary switch Sl before the high voltage contacts separate, the an- ;gular width of the cam face is limited substantially as illustrated.

The main switch S--2, illustrated in Figures 1 to '6, inclusive, is a single-pole double-throw selector switch. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention, in its broader aspects, may be embodied in switches of the two-pole, single throw, double break type, and in switches of other types and for use for other purposes and under. other conditions than those herein so forth.

l The switch S-2 comprises a pair of stationary contacts 12 and i3, a third stationary contact 14,?-and a movable contact assembly '25. The contacts l2 and it, formed, for example, of red brass silver-plated, are generally U-shaped in form and, have inner legs secured, for example, by'screws'ib to insulator ferrules i8 which may be :Zin the form of silver-plated brass castings fixedly mounted on the outer ends of porcelain insulators *ll. Similar insulator ferrules 80, which likewise may be in the form of silverplated brass castings, are fixedly mounted on the inner ends of the insulators E9. The inner insulator ferrules 80 are secured, for example, by screws Bi to the outer side of the base plate Ill. The outer contact making and breaking legs .of the contacts Hand T3 are maintained in parallel spaced relation with respect .to the inner legs of the contacts by struts or spacers 82 interposed therebetween and secured in place, for example, by hollow rivets. The struts orspacers 82 maybe formed of silver-plated rolled brass or, other suitable material.

The third-stationary contact M is of a form similar to the contacts #2 and 13. Its inner leg issecured by screws 83 to an insulator ferrule fixedlymounted on the outer end of aporcelain insulator 85.. I A a similar ferrule 86 is fixedly mounted on the inner end of the insulator 85 and securedby, screws -8'i to the outer side of the base plate id. The outer contact leg of the contact-M- islonger than the corresponding legs of the contacts l2 and T3, forreasons which will presentlyappear.

The-movable main contact assembly comprises a pair of spaced outer contact guards or barsflil which may be formed, for example, of silverplatedphosphor bronze spring tempered. The guards 9B are spaced by spacers 9! and secured together as a unitary assembly, for example, by hollow rivetsBZ; Threaded studs or screws 93 passthrough the guards 9i spacers 9i and rivets 92 and are screwed into integral lugs on the adjacent insulator ferrule 9Q to secure one end of the movable contact assembly fixedlyon the ferrule 94. The ferrules l is fixedly mounted on the outer end of a porcelain insulator 95. A similar-ferrule 361s fixedly mounted on the inner end of the insulator 95 and secured by screws 91-to a laterally extending integral arm 418 on thetrotating. insulator base 22.

tween live parts and grounded parts.

The :procelain insulators, whichare preferably formed-of wet process porcelain, providea high rvoltage leakage-proofinsulation. The porcelain insulators preferably have leakage distances equal to approximately twice the striking'distance through air between the live parts, or be- By mak 7 ing the insulators of porcelainof the character described I avoid carbonization such as would tend to occur if the insulators were 'made of Bakelite and other organic materials.

Contact springs loll are mounted in spaced relation intermediate their ends between the guard bars Qilby spacers lill and a hollow rivet 102. The twin; fingers thus presented at one end of the contact springs Hill are held under selfcompression and have constant wipingxcontact with the contact leg of the contact 14. The twin fingers at the opposite end of the contact springs lfili are held under self-compression, and move over and from the contact fingers of thecontacts l2 and 13 with a strong spring-wiping action in the operation of the switch.

When the rotating insulator base 22 is rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2, through the driving mechanism described by the eccentric engagement of the coupling pin 30 in the base 22, the movable contact assembly is rotated from the full line position (Figure 2) connecting the contacts 12 and M, to the dotted line position connecting the contacts 13 and "i l. Conversely, when the base 22 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction (Figure 2) from the position in which the movable contact assembly is in its dotted line position, the movable contact assembly is rotated from the dotted line position connecting the contacts 73 and i l to the full line position connecting the contacts 12 and M. The stationary contacts l2, l3, and "M have tapped holes I05 for connecting thereto the terminals ofithe conductors .of the main circuit inwhich the switch is connected.

The length of the movable main contact assembly '15 from the axis of the shaft l8 to the outer free end of the movable contact assembly is greater than the length of the movable assembly 15 from the axis of the shaft E8 to the mounted end of the movablemain contact assembly. This provides an overhang which, with the overhang of the disc 40 and the other features,provides a unit which is substantially dynamically balanced.

Mounted on the base plate ill to the left of the hub 21, as the switch is viewed in Figure 4, is an auxiliary switch mounting bracket I08. This bracket I08 supports, in insulated relation, the contact springs of a pair of upper auxiliary switches S3, 8-3, and the contact springs of a pair of motor limit switches Hi9, one motor limit switch I69 being positioned beneath each of the upperauxiliary switches S3. The bracket I98 is secured in place on the base plate IQ, for example, by screws llll which are preferably provided with lock washers.

Each switch S3 comprises a pair of contact springs H2, H3 extending generally horizontally from the bracket I88 toward and in the horizontal plane of the upper rollers carried by the hub 21 as the switch is viewed in Figure 4. The springs H2, H3 have contacts I M near their free ends which are normally separated or held in open circuit positionv and are returned to such position by the inherent resilience of the springs H2, -l I 33. The free ends of the inner springs ll 2 have angular ends H5 which .are, positioned .to

the hub 21 alternately in opposite directions. En-

gagement of one roller '35 with the angular end I15 of the spring II2'of one switch S-3 closes the contacts II4 of this switch; Engagement of the other roller 35 with the angular end II5 of the spring I I2 of the other switch S-3 closes the contacts II4 of this switch. Upon release of'the rollers 35 from their auxiliary switch closing engagement with the angular ends of the respective springs I I2 the auxiliary switches S-3 are opened by the inherent resilience of the spring contacts.

Each motor limit switch I09 comprises a pair of contact springs I I8, I I9 which extend generally horizontally from the bracket I08. toward and in the horizontal plane of the lower rollers36. The springs I I8, I I9 havecoritacts which are normally separated and held in open circuit position, and are returned to such position by the inherent resilience of the springs. The "free ends of the inner springs IIB have angular ends I20 which mums I42, I41, and I48 of the motor assembly I43 are carried by the terminal block I52 mounted upon the top of the base plate I0 near the upper right hand corner of the base plate as it is viewed in Figure 3.

'As shown more or less diagrammatically in the wiring diagram (Figure '1), the contact spring 60 of the auxiliary switch SI is connected to tor I53 to the terminal I54 of a terminal assembly I55. The other contact spring 6| of the auxiliary switch SI is connected to a terminal I56 which is connected by a conductor I51 to a terminal I58 of the terminal assembly I55.

The terminals I54 and I58 of the terminal assembly may be carried by a terminal block which may-be mounted upon the base plate IE] or other-' wiseas desired.

A spare brush container I00, mounted on the,

8 bott0m of the base plate I0, for examp as Shown are positioned to be engaged bythe rollers 36 in..

the rotation of the hub 21.alternately inopposite directions. Engagement of one roller 36 with the angular end I of the spring II8 of one of the motor limit switches closes the contacts of this switch. Engagement .of the other roller 36 with the angular end 120 of the spring I I8 of the other motor limit switch closes the contactsof this switch. Upon release of .the rollers 36 from the auxiliary switch closing engagement with the angular ends of therespective springs II8, the motor limit switches I091 are opened by theinherent resilience of the spring contacts.

Mounted upon the bottom of the base plate I0 is a terminal block I22 having eight terminals,

in Figure 2, carries one or more pairs of spare brushes and brush caps for the motor M.

With the movable contact assembly 15 of the V main switch in position connecting the stationary g contacts 12 and 14 as shown in Figures 2 and '1,

I23, l24, I25, I25, I21, I28, I29,,an d 130.. As shown in the wiring diagram (Figurefl), the, contact spring II3 of one auxiliaryswitch' Sp-3 is con-.- nected to the terminal I 23 which is connected by a conductor I3I to the terminal I29-of the other auxiliary switch 8-3. The contact spring, II2 of thi other auxiliary switch 8-3 is connected by a conductor I34 to the'terminal I35 of the terminal assembly S3. The other contact spring II3 of the other auxiliary switch S3 is connected to the terminal I30 which is connected by a conductor I36 to the third terminal I31 of the terminal assembly S-3.

The contact spring I I9 of one motor limit switch I09 is connected to the terminal I25 which is connected by a conductor I38 to the terminal I39 of the motor terminal assembly I40. -The other contact spring I I8 of the switch I09'is connected to the terminal I26 which is connected by a conductor I4I'to the terminal I42 of the motor terminal assembly] 43. The contact spring II8 of the'other motor limit switch I09 is connected to the terminal I21kwhich is connected by. a conductor I44 tothe, terminal I45 of the motor terminal assembly I40.. .The other contact spring II9 of the last mentioned motor 11mm:

switch I09-is connectedtozthe terminal I28 which is connected by a conductor I46 to the terminal I41 of the motor terminal assembly I43. The terminal I48. of the motor "terminal assembly I43 I50 0 the motor terminal assembly I40.

The motor terminals I39, I45; and I50 of the motor terminal-assemblyil40,:and the motor ter ample, from remote position to rotate the motor shaft '39 in a clockwise direction from the position as viewed in Figure 3. The motor shaft 39 operating directly through the pin connection 5|" (Figure 5), look disc 5|, and anchor stud 59, rotates the'operating arm 41 in a clockwise direc- '-tion with the motor shaft 39. Upon taking up the lost motion between the slot 48 and the driving stud 49, the arm 41 at the upper end of the slot'48 (Figure-3) engages the stud. 49 and turns 7 the operating disc 46 in a clockwise direction with m me motor shaft 39.

As' the stud 49 rotates in a clockwise direction with the disc 46, the roller 50 on the stud 49: enters the'slot 43 in the disc 40 with maximum mechanical advantage, androtates the disc 40 in a counterclockwise direction (Figure 3). This counterclockwise rotation of the disc 40 rotates the attached or connected hub 21 in the same direction. Rotation of the hub 21 operates" directly through the coupling pin 3, and the lateral flange of the insulator base 22, to rotate the base 22 about the axis of the main shaft I8 in a direction to swing the insulator and the movable contact assembly 15 from the position connecting the contacts 12 and 14, as shown in sembly 15, and particularly the contact springs I00 thereof, have a firm spring wiping contact with the contact flange of the contact 14 at all times, and that the opposite ends of the contact springsl'flfl move alternately into and out of firm spring-wiping contact with thecontacts 05 12 and 13 as the movable contact assembly 15 driving-or operating means.

It will also be noted that there is no appreciable load on the motor in starting. Until the roller 50 enters into drivingengagement with the disc'40 through the slot43 the motor is pern. as thefroller 50 enters the slot 43 and into driv-f. ing engagement with the disc 40, it does so with mitted freely to" gain speed or accelerate.

maximum mechanicaladvantage to break thestatic friction, whereupon the speed is accelerated to move the movable contact assembly quickly from oneposition to the other. Likewise, quick movement in the opposite direction is provided. The roller also leavesthe slot 43 with maximum mechanical advantage.

The limit switch 509, which is operative-in the direction of operation being described, opens at the point-where the roller 59 leaves the slot 43- tocut the power to the motor M. This is accomplished by movement of the corresponding.

roller 36 out of engagement with the correspond-.- ing contact spring i I8 to permit the limit switch to open by the resilience of the spring H8. The switch rotor is attempting to return energy to the motor, and the helical springs 51 serve to bring,

the driving arm M, and thereby the flywheel 46 with its pin 49, to predeterminedlocking position substantially as shown in Figure 3, and to maintain such position.

The switch described will withstand shock with respect to mechanical strength and operate unhampered while subjected to shock of specified and the like, the provision of adirect simplev drive, the balanced arrangement and the positive spring restrained self-aligning lock which secures:

the switch in alignment in each position.

The particular switch mechanism described provides a unitary assembly containing a single-- pole, double-throw selector switchin combination with quick break auxiliary switches which. operate in positive sequence. As already pointed.

out and as will hereinafter appear, it is tobe understood, however, that the present invention,

in its broader aspects, may be. embodied in.

switches of the two pole, single-throw,.doublebreak type and in switches of other types.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the. low voltage switch Sl,. controlled by the cam face of the disc or flywheel 48, opens, as.

previously stated, approximately two cycles before the high voltage contacts separate, to initiate:

the interruption of a low voltage circuit by means ofacontactor. This opening of the switch 8-! is accomplished by movement of the low portion. 69 at one or the other of therends-of thehigh portion 68 of the cam face of the flywheel, de-

pending upon the direction of rotation into posi-- When either of the tion adjacent the roller 61. low portions 69 of the cam faceis'positioned adjacent the roller 61, the closing operation of the high cam portion 68 is releasedand the contact spring snaps to open position to open the switch Si. The time element above'referred to is provided by limiting theangular width of the cam face of the flywheel, so that the desired time elapses after opening of the auxiliary switch Sl before opening of the high voltage switch S-2. face of the flywheel can be reduced, the greater the. time available between functioning of the two switches. With the present. invention, the only limitation on the amount the angular width of the cam face of the flywheel can be reduced is the oscillation of the flywheel at the. end of each switching cycle, which is efiectively'limited by the lost motion impact stop. arrangement- The more the angular width ofv the. cam '1 Theoperation in:. the opposite direction. is: obtained byreversingthemotorMor other rotary drivingor operating-.-means,,and follows, forthe.

reverse operation, the sequence above described.

, Theauxiliary switches S--3. are operated-by the rollers .35. on thehub 21. Upon-operation in one direction, one switch. S.-3 is.closed by one :ofthe rollers. 35, and upon operation in the opposite directionthis. switch 5-4 is. released and snaps to open position, and the other switch- 8-3 is closed.

Referring to the wiringdiagram (Figure '7) the operating sequence of thewmainand auxiliary switches-is as follows:

(1) S'--I opens;

(2) S-2 opens from one position;

(3) S-3 'opensfromone position (4) S--3 closes in opposite position (5) S-2 closes in opposite position (6) S1 closes in original position.

The wiring) diagram shows: the. position of. the

switchesafteritheiterminals .141, I48 have been energized and thezswitchingcycle is completed;

The.switchingiarrangement of the present invention. may be modified. to include several notches 43 with. their associated concavities M and 45, to :providefor stepped operation of multiposition switches. selective as to their direction and choice of position.-

The switch of .the present invention is capable of' intermittent operation without lubrication. The. embodiments of the inventionshown in the drawings arefor illustrative purposes only, and it is to be. expressly understood that said drawings and the accompanying specification are not tobe construedas a-definition of: the limits or scope of'ithe invention, reference" being had' to the appended claims for thatpurpose. I- c1aim:

1 Anoperating mechanism for a device, suchasza switch, having'a memberto be movedfromg one position to another. comprising, in combination, a reversibledriving motor, an operating disc looseon the motor shaft, an operating arm fixed on .th'e motorshaft and having anotchinone endthereof ,a driving stud: carried by the operating disc'and extending into-said notch for lostmotion driving connection-between said arm and saiddiscpakey disc mounted to turn about anaxis parallel withand. spaced laterally of the axis.

of l the motor: shaft, a roller on said driving stud,

said key dischaving a slot which said roller is:

adapted to enter andleave with maximum mechanicahadvantage to: turnthe key disc, and a driveconnection between said key disc and said movable. member: for moving said-"movable memher from one position: to another;

axis parallel with: and spacedlaterally of the axis of the motor shaft, .asrolleri orrsaid driving stud, said .key disc' having-aslotzwhich said roller" is adaptedetowenter and 'leavewith maximum mechanical advantage. to: turn: the'key 'disc, a

drive. connectionzbetween .said key disc and said movablesmember fox-moving saidi movable mem I her from one position to another, an anchor stud on said operating arm, a spring bracket, and a pair of helical springs anchored at one end to said bracket in spaced relation and converging toward the opposite ends and anchored to said stud.

3, An operating mechanism for a device, such as a switch, having a member to be moved from one position to another comprising, in combination, a reversible driving motor, an operating disc loose on the motor shaft, an operating arm fixed on the motor shaft and having a notch in one end thereof, a driving stud carried by the operating disc and extending into said notch for lost motion driving connection between said arm and said disc, a key disc mounted to turn about an axis parallel with and spaced laterally of the axis of the motor shaft, a roller on said driving stud, said key disc having a slot which said roller is adapted to enter and leave with maximum mechanical advantage to turn the key disc, a drive connection between said key disc and said movable member for moving said movable member from one position to another, and a stop pin on said key disc for cooperation with said operating arm whereby excess energy at the end of an operation is dissipated through impact first between said arm and said pin and then between the arm and the lost motion disc as the direction of the former is reversed.

4. An operating mechanism for a device, such as a switch, having a member to be moved from one position to another comprising, in combination, a reversible driving motor, an operating disc loose on the motor shaft, an operating arm fixed on the motor shaft and having a notch in one end thereof, a driving stud carried by the operating disc and extending into said notch for lost motion driving connection between said arm and said disc, a key disc mounted to turn about an axis parallel with and spaced laterally of the axis of the motor shaft, a roller on said driving stud, said key disc having a slot which said roller is adapted to enter and leave with maximum mechanical advantage toturn the key disc, a drive connection between said key disc and said movable member for moving said movable member from one position to another, a stop pin on said key disc for cooperation with said operating arm whereby excess energy at the end of an operation is dissipated through impact first between said arm and said pin and then between the arm and the lost motion disc as the direction of the former is reversed, said key disc having a pair of arcuate peripheral concavities one on each of the opposite sides of said slot, and a lock disc fixed on the motor shaft for engagement alternately in said concavities at the ends of the operations of said device.

5. An operating mechanism for a device, such as a switch, having a member to be moved from one position to another comprising, in combination, a reversible motor including a rotor rotatable through one revolution, a shaft carrying said rotor, a Geneva pinion carried by said shaft and rotatable therewith through said one revolution, a Geneva gear directly connected to said movable member and operatively related to said Geneva pinion whereby the rotation of the latter through one complete revolution unlocks said Geneva gear, moves the same and said movable member from one position to the other, and then locks them in said other position, and spring means cooperating with said Geneva pinion to bias it and said rotor to the same starting position.

6. An operating mechanism for a device, such as a switch, having a member to be moved from one position to another comprising, in combination, a reversible electric motor including a rotor rotatable through one revolution, a shaft carrying said rotor, a Geneva pinion carried by said shaft and rotatable therewith through said one revolution, a Geneva gear directly connected to said movable member and operatively related to said Geneva pinion whereby the rotation of the latter through one complete revolution unlocks said Geneva gear. moves the same and said movable member from oneposition to the other, and then locks them in said other position, a pair of limit switches operated by said Geneva gear and connected to control the operation of said motor, one limit switch being closed when said Geneva gear occupies one position to provide a circuit for. energizing said motor to operate said Geneva gear to the alternate position and the other limit switch being opened as said Geneva pinion moves out of driving engagement with said Geneva gear and vice versa whereby said motor is deenergized in advance of the completion of said one revolution in either direction in suflicient time to dissipate the kinetic energy of the rotating parts and bring the same to rest when said one revolution is completed, and spring means cooperating with said Geneva pinion and acting to dissipate said kinetic energy and to bias said Geneva pinion and said rotor to the same starting position.

SIGURD I. LINDELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,047,463 Thompson Dec. 17, 1912 1,099,421 Burke June 9, 1914 1,109,586 Hewlett Sept. 1, 1914 1,517,061 Hart Nov. 25, 1924 1,685,069 Dilks Sept. 18, 1928 1,740,436 Kimball Dec. 17, 1929 1,856,121 Austin May 3, 1932 1,896,850 Perry Feb. 7, 1933 2,095,796 Crabbs Oct. 12, 1937 2,200,989 Lennox et a1 May 14, 1940 2,349,682 Snyder May 23, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 357,287 Great Britain Sept. 24, 1931 

